When long-distance dating partners become geographically close

Author: Stafford, L.; Merolla, A.J.; Castle, J.D.

Description: This study explored long-distance dating relationships’ (LDDRs) transition to geographic proximity. About half of LDDR partners experience this transition, whereas the other half end their relationships during separation. Among reunited relationships, one-third terminate within 3 months of reunion. Participants’ open-ended responses highlight changes associated with reunion, including the loss of autonomy; increased positive and negative knowledge; time management difficulties; and heightened conflict and jealousy. Desirable features of LDDRs (e.g., autonomy and novelty) appear to be lost, and missed, upon reunion. Individuals whose relationships terminated upon reunion were more likely to report missing aspects of LDDRs. Overall, we propose reunions facilitate relational and partner knowledge acquisition, the dissipation of quixotic ideals, and increased partner interdependence.

Subject headings: dating relationships; dialectics; long-distance relationships; reunions; turning points

Publication year: 2006

Journal or book title: Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Volume: 23

Issue: 6

Pages: 901-919

Find the full text : https://wellness.asu.edu/sites/default/files/pdf_0/When%20Long%20Distance%20Dating%20Partners%20Become%20Geographically%20Close.pdf

Find more like this one (cited by): https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cites=7187648126444426211&as_sdt=1000005&sciodt=0,16&hl=en

Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 866